VTC Online and Smilegate signed a strategic cooperation agreement to release the Stove game platform in Vietnam within the framework of Vietnam GameVerse 2026, May 8 in Ho Chi Minh City.
The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Hoang Nhat Linh – Deputy Director of VTC Online and Mr. Yang Sung Yeol – Platform Director of Smilegate.
Stove is a game distribution platform developed by Smilegate, currently providing many PC games and community content for gamers. According to the cooperation content, the two sides will coordinate to develop the Stove ecosystem in Vietnam, aiming for a copyrighted game distribution model and connecting domestic developers with the international market.
Stove platform release signing ceremony in Vietnam. Image: VTC
Speaking at the event, Mr. Yang Sung Yeol said that Vietnam is one of the fast-growing game markets in Southeast Asia. According to Smilegate representative, the cooperation with VTC Online not only aims to expand STOVE’s operations in Vietnam but also aims to build an ecosystem connecting developers and the player community.
At Vietnam GameVerse 2026, Vietnamese horror game project Bane of Rare Reverse studio is also introduced in the Stove Vietnam ecosystem.
Mr. Nguyen Cong Hiep – Project Director of Stove Vietnam and Mr. Le Doan Dang Khoa – Founder & CEO of Rare Reversee shared at Vietnam Gameverse 2026. Photo: VTC
According to representatives of the parties, the fact that a product developed by a Vietnamese studio appears on an international platform from an early stage is considered a test step for the direction of bringing more Vietnamese games to reach global players.
Smilegate said it hopes to be able to support domestic developers in accessing the Korean and international markets through the distribution system.
As for VTC Online, to officially operate Stove in Vietnam, the unit not only plays the role of market development partner, but also directly coordinates with relevant parties in the process of completing legal documents, implementing licensing procedures and building an operating model in accordance with game content management regulations in Vietnam.
VTC Online said it is determined to build a transparent game distribution ecosystem that complies with the law and develops sustainably, while also creating an “official gateway” for international developers to access the Vietnamese market.
In addition to bringing international products into Vietnam, VTC Online said it will coordinate to support domestic studios to join the global publishing ecosystem.
Mr. Yang Sung Yeol – Platform Director (Smilegate Representative) spoke at Vietnam Gameverse 2026. Photo: VTC
Vietnam GameVerse 2026 takes place May 8-9 at Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City. The event includes game exhibitions, game industry forums, community activities and e-sports tournaments. On the first day alone, the event welcomed more than 16,000 visitors.